New law to better protect the rights of persons with disabilities to be introduced
As a week of activities related to the disability sector is being organised with the background of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an important step has been made in relation to the reform of the legislative framework to strengthe
As a week of activities related to the disability sector is being organised with the background of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an important step has been made in relation to the reform of the legislative framework to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities, the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector stated.
Among other things, for the first time, discrimination against persons with disabilities will be clearly recognised in the Constitution of Malta, the ministry stated. It said that this new law will see that the rights of people with disabilities are better protected, and Minister Julia Farrugia commented that this legislative package is currently being scrutinised from a legal point of view by the State Advocate's office.
The new law, the Ministry said, will see the introduction of expert panels that are able to make decisions on complaints without the need for lengthy and costly court proceedings. It continued that these panels will not only be able to order practical and financial remedies, but can also impose sanctions against those who break the law or obstruct the work of the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability.
Farrugia remarked that the reform aims to give the necessary strength to the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) so that it is able to take concrete action against the challenges and injustices that affect people with disabilities.
Minister Farrugia said that this historic law will help Malta make a leap forward in the rights of people with disabilities
"This reform will not only help to address the challenges that have been persisting in the disability sector such as issues related to education, employment, and accessibility, which are crucial areas that determine the quality of life of persons with disabilities, but it also represents a fundamental change in the way our country deals with equality and human rights. This reform will put the necessary tools in the hands of the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in the hands of society as a whole, so that we are not only reactive to injustices, but proactive in establishing of structures that ensure tangible results. This is another step towards our vision of a more inclusive country, where no one is left behind and where every person, regardless of their ability, is given the opportunity to live a life of dignity and respect," she said.
The Ministry concluded that this legislative reform will result in active protection through effective mechanisms and concrete enforcement for the rights of people with disabilities. It added that the initiative establishes a new model of responsibility and action for institutions, "where justice and equality are at the heart of the system".
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